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What’s happening (online) at the Des Moines Public Library?

Des Moines Public Library's new Medici.tv service allows cardholders to stream hundreds of opera, ballet and classical music performances, documentaries and master classes.(Photo: Des Moines Public Library/Special to the Register)

All six locations of the Des Moines Public Library remain closed to the public, and our book returns are now locked, in response to the spread of COVID-19 in Iowa. So anyone still holding onto a library book or DVD can just keep those materials until further notice. All deadlines have been extended, and no new late fees will accrue.

But even though the buildings remain off limits, the Des Moines Public Library continues to offer a suite of digital tools, services and resources that can entertain and educate you and your families. Since closing our doors in March, streaming video usage has jumped 60%, eBook and eAudiobook usage is up more than 25%, and more than 1,000 new people have signed up for a new digital library card.

We have reallocated funding to bulking up all those digital offerings, including new streaming video, research and eBook services.

Among the things you can do online, for free, with a Des Moines Public Library card right now:

Stream movies and TV

The library offers Kanopy,* with thousands of modern and classic movies, including some of the most acclaimed films in history. That also includes Kanopy Kids, which offers unlimited access to children’s movies, PBS shows and readalong books from authors like Mo Willems. Go to www.dmpl.org/stream-download to get started.

Stream concerts, opera and more

A new service we just launched is Medici.tv,* in which library cardholders can stream hundreds of opera, ballet and classical music performances, documentaries and master classes. Go to www.dmpl.org/stream-download to get started.

Borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks

The library offers several eBook and eAudiobook services,* offering tens of thousands of book options for you to check out and read on your phone, tablet, laptop, Kindle and more. Go to www.dmpl.org/eBooksGuide to learn more about all of our digital book offerings.

Learn a new language

Social distancing and isolating at home is a perfect opportunity to finally learn that new language. Mango is a DMPL service that offers a fun and easy way for people of any age to learn 70-plus new languages, plus English-language courses in several dozen languages. Start using Mango now at www.dmpl.org/mango.

NOTE: If you don’t currently have a Des Moines Public Library card and want to start using our digital services, you can sign up for a digital card at www.dmpl.org/digital-card. If you need help using any of our digital services or have questions about your library card account, contact us at www.dmpl.org/askalibrarian.

*Residency restrictions apply for some streaming video and eBook/eAudiobooks services.